Dr. Robert “Bob” Mill
June 2, 1947 - May 16, 2026
Dr. Robert (Bob or Doc) Christie Mill, Ph.D., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, author, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 78 on May 16, 2026. Born on June 2, 1947, in Dundee, Scotland, Robert lived a life defined by intellect, kindness, humor, curiosity, and a deep love of people and ideas.
Bob most recently lived in Lone Tree, Colorado, with his beloved wife of 47 years, Patricia Mill. He is survived by Patricia; his children, David Mill and Kim Miller; his stepchildren, Robyn Hanna, Jeff Larason, and Michael Larason; and his nephew, Stewart Hunter.
He is also survived by his children’s and stepchildren’s spouses and partners: Jeannine Mill, Joey Miller, David Hanna, Marina Farris and Kathleen Hunter.
Bob was a proud grandfather to Jordan Mayo, Andrew Clagg, Christian Konkol, Mikayla Larason, Gabriel Lagoy Larason, and Lilly Stanley, and a great-grandfather to River Mayo, Phoenix Mayo, and Luna Wolf.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert (“Bert”) and Catherine Christie Mill, and by his sister, Maureen Hunter.
Bob earned his B.A. from the University of Strathclyde’s renowned Scottish Hotel School before continuing his education at Michigan State University, where he earned both an MBA and a Ph.D. He went on to become a respected international authority in tourism, hospitality, and service marketing.
For many years, Dr. Mill served as a Professor in the Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management at the Daniels College of Business, University of Denver. He was admired by students and colleagues alike for his thoughtful teaching, sharp intellect, wit, and generosity. His textbooks, including Tourism: The International Business and Resorts: Management and Operations, have educated generations of hospitality students worldwide and have become foundational works in the field.
Bob’s expertise took him across the globe. He served as a Fulbright Scholar in both India and Hungary and was widely sought after as a consultant, speaker, and workshop leader on tourism and destination marketing. Despite his many professional accomplishments, he remained warm, humble, and approachable.
To those who knew him personally, Bob will be remembered just as much for his warmth and humor as for his scholarship. In retirement, he became famous among family, friends, neighbors, and even casual acquaintances for sharing his “funny joke” or “dad joke of the day,” delivered with perfect timing and a twinkle in his eye. He was a voracious reader, a thoughtful conversationalist, a fantastic story teller, magician and entertainer, and someone who genuinely enjoyed learning, listening, and connecting with others.
Bob brought gentleness, intelligence, and humor into the lives of the people around him. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply, students and colleagues who respected him greatly, and many friends who will miss his stories, his kindness, and his daily jokes.
Memorial service information will be shared with family and friends at a later date.